Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Katie Barrett, Founder of The Joyful Educator, LLC., located in Newport, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a certified coach, educator, and speaker, and I am dedicated to building a life full of passion and joy for myself and all of those around me. I've lived on both sides. I have allowed my career to dominate all of my time at the expense of my personal life, and I have found the secret to work/life balance. In short, I took control of my own life and stopped thinking others were controlling my life. I want all educators to realize that they don't have to work nights and weekends to be amazing and joyful educators.
Tell us about yourself
Burning out and feeling guilty. As a teacher, I was going into my classroom most weekends to "just get a few things done to feel ready for Monday and then bringing home projects during the week. I was also trying to keep up with my three kids and their activities, get chores done at home and have some kind of time with my husband and friends. There never seemed to be enough time to get it all done. I thought that this was just the way it was if I wanted to be an amazing educator.
I was exhausted and hated myself for not being there for my family. I learned how to approach things differently, and I actually became a more effective and joyful educator and spent quality time with my family and friends without spending 60+ hours a week working. It's been working for 10 years, and even though my positions in education have changed in the last five, my methods are still working to this day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I dedicate my time to supporting teachers in finding the time they don't think they have to create the work/life balance they crave. Yes, even though they still have meetings, professional development, and IPs that need attention during their work week. Through my four simple steps, teachers learn how to look at time in a new way and see clearly how they are the ones to decide how their time is spent.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
You can't be a perfectionist because you will never get anything of value out there if you are. Sometimes you just have to believe that your message is great just as it is and put it out into the universe.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Solve your ideal client's problem.
- Realize that this takes time.
- Never give up!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thejoyfuleducatorllc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejoyfuleducatorllc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_joyful_educator_llc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-barrett-ed-d-57783485/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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